Namibia has rejected an application by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services, marking a second setback for the company in southern Africa. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) refused the application, citing that Starlink’s Namibian subsidiary lacked local ownership, a requirement under Namibian law that at least 51% of any telecom company must be owned by citizens or local entities.
Starlink operates in roughly 25 African countries but has faced similar regulatory challenges elsewhere, including South Africa. The company says it has created a local entity to partner with Namibian firms and generate employment opportunities. Cran has indicated the decision could be reconsidered within 90 days.
Elon Musk, born in South Africa, criticized black economic empowerment policies in southern Africa, calling them barriers to foreign investment. Namibian and South African authorities maintain that compliance with local laws is necessary for all foreign companies. Starlink’s satellite internet service is intended for users in remote areas lacking high-speed connectivity.
